Cathers hopes to jump start his college lacrosse career with Onondaga Lazers

Lauren Long/The Post-Standard, 2010James Cathers was a two-time high school All-American at Corcoran High School

Former Corcoran High School star James Cathers and a team of standouts from the Iroquois Nationals U19 team that played at the world games in Finland this summer headline the incoming class of freshmen lacrosse players at Onondaga Community College.

Lazers head coach Chuck Wilbur, whose team has won four consecutive junior college national championships, said that Cathers is joining his program this fall. He hopes a smaller university setting can help Cathers transition more comfortably academically and to the college game.

Cathers announced out of high school that he would play at Syracuse University, but ran into academic issues.

“We’re excited to have him,” Wilbur said of Cathers. “We’ll give him another fresh start and see what he needs to do academically. This will be a good spot for him. He’s an outstanding player and an incredible talent.”

Cathers, a midfielder, was a two-time high school All-American at Corcoran. He scored 48 goals and assisted on 53 others as a senior in 2010. He was also an outstanding hockey player for the Cougars.

Cathers is presently playing for the Onondaga Redhawks, who host Newtown Friday night in game four of the Can-Am indoor box lacrosse Senior B tournament. Game time is 8 p.m. at the Onondaga Nation Arena.

Edmond Cathers, who is James’ cousin and another former Corcoran player, is transferring to OCC from Albany, Wilbur said. Edmond is a goalie.

Additionally, OCC welcomes several players from the Iroquois Nationals team including goalie Warren Hill, who was chosen as the most outstanding goalie at the U19 tournament.

The Iroquois team won the bronze medal at the world games and defeated eventual champion Team USA in pool play. Attackmen Seth Oakes (also on the All-World team) and Ky Tarbell from Salmon River are both joining the Lazers this fall.